Rowan University to address parking concerns in Glassboro

GLASSBORO — Frank Mancuso is one of several borough residents concerned about two parcels of land north and south of University Boulevard that have been the site of some unsafe parking practices.

“These are two areas, not set up for parking, between Girard Road and the railroad tracks,” said Mancuso. “I’ve been pursuing this for a couple of years now, sending letters to council, Rowan and Conrail seeking information and that seems to be where it stopped. It’s been unclear whether Conrail has possession of one or both sites.”

Regardless of ownership, Mancuso said the lots are “unsightly.”

“There are cars parked on the grass and up against trees and it’s very unsafe in terms of traffic and personal safety,” he said. “There is uncontrolled access of vehicles, trucks are backing up into the roadway and it’s very possible that this could cause an accident with vehicles coming out of other driveways or the intersection. These areas are unlit, and though I think they’re being patrolled, they are right near areas of trees and it’s dangerous because people could be mugged, attacked or worse.”

Mancuso said there has also been environmental damage from cars dragging away the top soil and grass and he’s counted more than 500 pieces of trash dumped there.

“It’s a threat to people’s safety and detrimental to property values,” said Mancuso. “All they have to do is put up a fence or barricade it somehow so people don’t park there. It’s much worse during the academic year because I think students use it, but there needs to be a way to deny vehicle access and then maybe try to restore the site with grass and topsoil.”

Mancuso said there was another area along University Boulevard that used to be a similar site for illegal parking, but it has been blocked off with a split-rail fence and a no parking sign.

“If someone’s already done something with that part, why not the rest?” said Mancuso.

Rowan University spokesman Joe Cardona said a solution to the hazardous sites might be coming sooner than later.

“Rowan is in negotiations with Conrail to lease the two parcels that are at that corner,” said Cardona. “If all goes according to plan, as we expect it will, Rowan will take control of those areas later in the summer. Our short-term plan is to landscape the areas, erect fencing to control illegal parking and create a student parking lot in the larger lot by the fall semester.”